Avenida Begin Building Early

Eshaya Murphy played at Dynamo Kursk and Galatasaray this season but will be back in Spain for the next

Having been crowned champions of Liga Femenina last weekend, Perfumerias Avenida have wasted little time in starting to build for the 2013-14 season.

LAPENA TO REMAIN IN HOT-SEAT

After his mid-season arrival at the club, Avenida have been delighted with the accomplishments of head coach Victor Lapena during his first six months or so and have given him the task of continuing his work.

The play-caller has been a success since his switch from UNB Obenasa, helping to turn around a disappointing EuroLeague Women season to claim a play-off spot and also inflicting a memorable loss on eventual champions UMMC Ekaterinburg - their only one of the entire campaign.

He then led his team to their thrilling Championship success against regular season Spanish League winners and arch rivals, Rivas Ecopolis.

SHOOTING ACE RODRIGUEZ SNAPPED UP

Avenida have also moved to secure the services of Spanish shooting guard Leonor Rodriguez, who should bring an increased three-point threat to the team next season, as well as improve the team with her impressive passing ability.

Rodriguez exploded during her final NCAA year at Florida State University, with a string of eye-catching displays and terrific numbers. She shot 45% from the field on her way to 14.9 points-per-game.

This led not only to Avenida handing her a first professional contract in Salamanca, but Spanish national team boss Lucas Mondelo also named the guard on his initial 15-strong preliminary roster for EuroBasket Women in France.

She is preparing to play her first EuroBasket Women tournament this summer having been handed the naturalised spot by Montenegro.

THOMAS GETS TASK IN THE PAINT

With a couple of key backcourt acquisitions, Avenida have put their faith in center Krystal Thomas to do the business for them under the hoop.

The American will patrol the paint next season having just played in China last year with Jiangsu where she corralled a massive 17.2 points and 14.7 rebounds-per-game.

Her power and hard work on the on the glass should certainly make her a big hit with the fans at Wurzburg Arena.

GOLDEN GUARD PROSPECT

Finally, Avenida inked a deal with highly rated guard Mariona Ortiz, who will make the short move from Caja Rural to Salamanca in the summer.

She impressed last year at the U20 European Championship with a host of vibrant performances as Spain finished top of the podium, to clinch gold in Debrecen and a place for Ortiz on the All Tournament Team.

She averaged eight points, three rebounds and 2.9 assists in Liga Femenina last season and has been given a three year deal to underline her potential importance to the future of the Avenida backcourt.